Dehydration is the condition which occurs once there is a loss of the body fluids, especially water and exceeds the amounts that have been taken in. When it comes to dehydration, it means that there is more water that is moving out of the cells than the water we get into the body by drinking. We lose water each day in the form of vapor through breathing. We also excrete water in stool, urine and sweat. We also lose some amounts of salt.

When too much water is lost, bodies may be out of balance and become dehydrated. When it is too severe, death can occur.

The Cause of Dehydration in Adults

There are so many conclusions that can cause fluid loss and that can lead to eventual dehydration. They include:

Diseases like diabetes

Diarrhea, vomiting and infection causing an increase in urination

Heat exposure, fever or a lot of exercise

Lack of drinking water that is safe

Impaired drinking ability like the case of a person on a respirator or a coma

Inability to seek for food or water like in the case of a person who is disabled

Injuries to skin that are significant such as because of mouth sores are very serious infections on the skin and diseases. The damaged skin may cause greater water loss.

Signs of Dehydration

They can be severe or very minor and can include:

Confusion

Palpitations

Dizziness

Weakness

Swollen tongue, or dry mouth

Increased thirst

Decreased output of urine

Inability to sweat

Fainting

Sluggishness

Change in color of urine. If your urine is concentrated with a deep amber or yellow color, you may very well be dehydrated

When to Ask for Help

A doctor needs to be called if a person who is dehydrated has the following experiences:

Weakness

Confusion

Decrease output of urine

Weight loss

Diarrhea going for over two days

Fever that is above 101 degrees F

You need to take the person to an emergency room at the nearest hospital if the following happens:

No urine in 12 hours

Fainting

Abdominal or chest pains

Difficulty in breathing

Seizures

Headache

Lethargy/sluggishness

Confusion

A fever that is above 103 degrees F

Exams and Tests

The doctor can perform some tests that are simple or he can send your urine or blood so as to be tested in a lab. Examinations and tests can help the doctor identify the cause or the causes that are leading to dehydration.

Vital Signs

A fever, an increase in your heart rate, low blood pressure and fast rate of breathing can indicate dehydration and other kinds of illnesses. The pulse of a person in a lying position and after standing up can determine how far the dehydration has really gone.

Urinalysis

Clarity and color of your urine and the gravity of urine can also help in knowing the degree of the dehydration. The presence of ketones signifies that you are dehydrated.

Self-Care in case of Dehydration

If you notice that a person is dehydrated even if they have been vomiting, you need to encourage them to take some fluids in the following ways:

Sipping some small water amounts at a time

Drinking some electrolyte/carbohydrate drinks. Sports drinks like Gatorade or some replacement solutions can be a great idea.

Sucking of the popsicles that are made from sports drinks and juices

Sucking on some ice chips

Sipping something in a straw, especially for someone who has mouth sores or jaw surgery

In case of heat exposure, it is essential that you cool the person if the temperature is elevated. You will need to loosen the clothing and remove any excess. You can use air conditioned areas so as to return the body temperature to the normal levels and the break the heat exposure cycle. You can also place the person in a shade or near fans incase there is no air conditioning.